The Cartographers’ Guild is a forum created by and for map makers and aficionados, a place where every aspect of cartography can be admired, examined, learned, and discussed. Our membership consists of professional designers and artists, hobbyists, and amateurs—all are welcome to join and participate in the quest for cartographic skill and knowledge.

Although we specialize in maps of fictional realms, as commonly used in both novels and games (both tabletop and role-playing), many Guild members are also proficient in historical and contemporary maps. Likewise, we specialize in computer-assisted cartography (such as with GIMP, Adobe apps, Campaign Cartographer, Dundjinni, etc.), although many members here also have interest in maps drafted by hand.

If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ. You will have to register before you can post or view full size images in the forums.

Good looking effect there. Reminds me of those things we did in junior high with the gray rubbery stuff that had to be carved out and then inked and printed...whatever that was called.

If the radiance of a thousand suns was to burst at once into the sky, that would be like the splendor of the Mighty One...I am become Death, the Shatterer of worlds.
-J. Robert Oppenheimer (father of the atom bomb) alluding to The Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 11, Verse 32)

It looks terrific. I particularly like the way you've got that 'pinched' effect where the horizontal lines meet the coast line. This looks as good as anything that the 'India Ink' filter in Photoshop can accomplish.

Good looking effect there. Reminds me of those things we did in junior high with the gray rubbery stuff that had to be carved out and then inked and printed...whatever that was called.

That was a linoleum block print. It's used the same way that a wood block is for printing. So I guess it looks like a print. Good job.

The effect looks nice graphically and it is very clear to read. It might just be a little too clean and neat. Wood block carving lines are usually a little rougher and straighter but I am really just nitpicking.

That's a really nice effect. That water is very pleasing on the eye. I look forward to seeing where this project goes.

Here is a close up of a block print that you can see irregularities on, and this one is by Durer, arguably the best woodblock printer ever.

Nice Albrecht Dürer reference, Mr. Greengoat. He's probably one of my all time favorite artists. The things he accomplished with blocks of wood are amazing. I could see maybe roughing up the shoreline to make it more irregular, but its not a deal breaker for me. I guess it depends on what his goal for the map is....to look like it is an actual woodblock printing or just mimic one.

"Listen, strange women lyin' in ponds distributin' swords is no basis for a system of government."